ID :
206883
Tue, 09/13/2011 - 16:02
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Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/206883
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IAEA adopts action plan to enhance global nuclear safety
VIENNA, Sept. 13 Kyodo -
The International Atomic Energy Agency adopted an action plan Tuesday to enhance global nuclear safety at its 35-nation board of governors' meeting in the aftermath of the Fukushima Daiichi power plant disaster in Japan.
The board unanimously approved the 12-point action plan drawn up by IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano, which calls on members to establish an emergency team to respond to major nuclear accidents in their countries and around the world.
The action plan is expected to be implemented after securing approval at the annual general conference of the Vienna-based nuclear watchdog from next Monday.
Amano said in his speech during the board session Monday that the action plan ''represents a significant step forward in strengthening nuclear safety.''
''With this plan, we will move from the planning phase to the implementation phase. Firm and sustained commitment from all member states is needed for the full implementation of the action plan,'' the director general said.
''It will take rapid and visible improvements in nuclear safety -- not just good intentions -- to restore public confidence in nuclear power. The agency will play its central part with vigor,'' he said.
The action plan, which was worked out after an IAEA ministerial meeting in June on improving nuclear safety, also envisions the dispatch of safety investigators within three years to all member countries that have nuclear power plants.
Amano initially intended to conduct snap nuclear safety inspections in countries with nuclear power plants, but due to opposition from some member countries, which regarded his plan as too stringent, the action plan says members would ''voluntarily'' accept IAEA inspections.
During discussions Monday, some IAEA member countries said the action plan should be updated in the future to include tighter regulatory steps, according to diplomatic sources.
The International Atomic Energy Agency adopted an action plan Tuesday to enhance global nuclear safety at its 35-nation board of governors' meeting in the aftermath of the Fukushima Daiichi power plant disaster in Japan.
The board unanimously approved the 12-point action plan drawn up by IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano, which calls on members to establish an emergency team to respond to major nuclear accidents in their countries and around the world.
The action plan is expected to be implemented after securing approval at the annual general conference of the Vienna-based nuclear watchdog from next Monday.
Amano said in his speech during the board session Monday that the action plan ''represents a significant step forward in strengthening nuclear safety.''
''With this plan, we will move from the planning phase to the implementation phase. Firm and sustained commitment from all member states is needed for the full implementation of the action plan,'' the director general said.
''It will take rapid and visible improvements in nuclear safety -- not just good intentions -- to restore public confidence in nuclear power. The agency will play its central part with vigor,'' he said.
The action plan, which was worked out after an IAEA ministerial meeting in June on improving nuclear safety, also envisions the dispatch of safety investigators within three years to all member countries that have nuclear power plants.
Amano initially intended to conduct snap nuclear safety inspections in countries with nuclear power plants, but due to opposition from some member countries, which regarded his plan as too stringent, the action plan says members would ''voluntarily'' accept IAEA inspections.
During discussions Monday, some IAEA member countries said the action plan should be updated in the future to include tighter regulatory steps, according to diplomatic sources.
